Publisher's Memo: New Beginnings

As I write this, more than a week after Hurricane Sandy struck—and a day after President Obama was reelected—Westchester County is still recovering from the havoc wreaked by the superstorm. In Sandy’s wake, simple things like electricity, gasoline—even heat—became a luxury for some of us.

My heart goes out to all those affected, not only in Westchester, but those in other parts of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey—many who suffered more than we did. Thanks to all who are working so hard, like our police and firefighters, as well as government officials, who’ve scrambled to keep us informed and safe. And a special thanks to Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Governor Cuomo, who’ve worked tirelessly over the past week.

Some of you are reading this issue because its colorful cover caught your attention. For that, we have artist Peter Max to thank—by way of Chief Copy Editor Carol Caffin. “Having been born in the ’60s, and having been a music and pop-culture aficionado all my life, I’ve always thought of Peter Max’s art—with its colorful, floating, whimsical imagery—as part of the visual backdrop that accompanied the musical soundtrack to my childhood,” says Carol. “I was so excited when I found out that he was going to be appearing in the area, and even more excited to interview him [‘Maxed Out,’ September 2012]. We just ‘clicked’ and ended up talking much longer than the time allotted. I mentioned the famous Life magazine cover that featured Peter in 1969, and he said, ‘I’d love to do a cover for your magazine.’ I thought maybe he was just making a gracious gesture, but, as you can see, he was sincere. How beautifully surreal to see Peter’s iconic ‘Cosmic Runner’—running by Playland!”

We’re excited to be winding down another year, our 12th year publishing Westchester Magazine. Since our launch in 2001, we’ve added three other magazines—Westchester Home, Westchester/Hudson Valley Weddings, and 914INC.—to our family of publications. We’re now busy finalizing our plans for 2013, and we have some exciting things on the horizon. Our digital division is expanding—we’ll be providing a revamped website with more content on westchestermagazine.com. We’re also redesigning the magazine, with new sections and departments, and a fresh look.

All of us at Westchester Magazine wish you and your families a very happy and healthy New Year!